The B.C.-Asia Twinning Project is led by the Ministry of Community Services working in partnership with the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), the B.C. Ministries of Economic Development and Education and the B.C. Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat.
Ministry of Community Services
The Ministry of Community Services’ mandate is to promote liveable, sustainable communities that provide healthy and safe places for British Columbians. The Ministry supports this important mandate by working with communities, women’s and seniors’ groups, and by creating partnerships with other ministries, local and federal governments, the private sector and not-for-profit organizations. Additionally, the Ministry administers all or part of 19 pieces of legislation and has responsibility for the Board of Examiners, the Islands Trust Fund Board and the Dease Lake and Atlin Advisory Planning Commissions.
Union of BC Municipalities
The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) is an association that represents the interests of every municipality and regional district in the province. Through its Executive, which is composed of mayors, councillors and regional district directors from communities throughout the province, it works with both provincial and federal governments in an effort to improve upon current legislation, regulations and funding arrangements.
Ministry of Economic Development
The purpose of the Ministry of Economic Development is to build a strong provincial economy that supports job creation and maximizes economic opportunities for citizens throughout the province. The Minister is responsible for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and strengthening the province as Canada’s Pacific Gateway to Asia.
The Ministry leads the Asia Pacific Initiative, a priority cross-ministry initiative that provides the strategic direction for B.C. to capitalize on its Pacific Gateway advantages and ensures B.C.’s actions are strategically oriented towards Asia — the driving force in the global economy.
Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
The Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat advances British Columbia's relations with the federal government, other provincial governments and international governments as we shape Canada's Pacific Century. British Columbia's ties and relations with our trading and cultural partners enhance our ability to take advantage of the many opportunities before us. The Secretariat works to maximize the benefits of our proximity and cultural ties with the Asia Pacific.
Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education provides leadership and funding, develops policy and legislation, oversees system governance, sets results-based standards, develops accountability frameworks, monitors performance and reports results for the K-12 education system. Government expanded the mandate of the Ministry of Education in 2005 to include literacy, early learning and public libraries. With these additional responsibilities, the Ministry has the scope to deliver a wider range of education services.